16 AUGUST (2) 2008 INDIAN LINK

ArtsThe ancient beauty of the Paharpur Monastery, the stark simplicity but monumental elegance of the Shat Gambuj Mosque, the hypnotic arches of the Kamlapur Railway Station and the geometric stylization of the Sangshad Bhaban were all on view in Sydney as part of the Architectural Excellence in Bangladeshexhibition. Held within the historic Tusculum building in Potts Point over a week, the exhibition was organised jointly by the Bangladeshi Architects in Australia (BAA) and the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA).

The exhibition showcased, through photographs and detailed write-ups, the diversity of architectural practice in Bangladesh since the 3rd century BC until date. The exhibition also encompassed architects of Bangladeshi origin practicing in Australia.

The event received tremendous

support with the President of the Union of International Architects, Louise Cox inaugurating the opening. Howard Tanner, National President, AIA, Mahboob Saleh, Acting High Commissioner for Bangladesh, Mubasshar Hussain, President, Institute of Architects, Bangladesh and several renowned practicing architects from Bangladesh attended the ceremony.

The BAA organised an insightful talk

about evolving architecture seen in Bangladesh, beginning with the UNESCO World Heritage listed site of Paharpur Monastery with its massive structure ornate with intricate carvings.

The 60-domed Shat Gambuj Mosque UHHFWV WKH 6XOWDQDWH 3HULRG ZKLOH WKHMughal period later brought fewer domed designs of Sat Masjid and Lalbagh Fort. The presentation talked through the highlights of the British, post-British and contemporary developments in

architecture in Bangladesh, including renowned architect Mazharul Islams works.

Among the exhibits was Islams fascinating design of the College of Arts & Crafts (later named the Institute of Fine Arts), which retained many of the old, large beautiful trees on the site. The BAA presentation depicted through images, the pavilion-like openness of the buildings, pathways, and garden spaces, to create a campus ideal for contemplation and learning. Islams design not only integrated the building with its existing natural landscape, but also echoed the outhouse and inner house scheme of rural Bangladesh

Muzharul Islam, initially commissioned to design the National Parliament building, however decided to pass the prestigious project onto a master architect

so that it would be inspirational to future generations. He was instrumental in getting Louis I Kahn to visit Dhaka to design the Parliament building. Islams DUFKLYDO ZHEVLWH FDOOV WKH VDFULFH RI KLVown work to Kahn, his greatest gift to the architects of this region.

Kahns iconic Sangshad Bhaban (Parliament House) with huge openings of geometric shapes on the exterior, is surrounded by a lake on three sides WR UHHFW %DQJODGHVKV ODQGVFDSH RI

numerous rivers. , DEVROXWHO\ HQMR\HG 5DT $VODPV

presentation on contemporary architecture. Aslam revealed he always wanted to be a painter, but under the LQXHQFH RI KLV IDWKHUV DPELWLRQ RIsending him to engineering school, became an architect only by chance.